Today, we are launching our Gale Johnson Legends of the Lock Industry awards, named after our longtime editor-in-chief and intended to recognize the folks who have made a lasting, meaningful impact on the locksmith industry.

I had the privilege of working with Gale for many years. When I was brand new to the industry, he patiently answered all my questions and did his best to explain the role of the locksmith, how locks worked, and what new products and technologies were noteworthy. I am still learning and the industry is still evolving.

Gale was a big-picture, grand ideas kind of guy and was always looking for a newer and better way to get the job done. In addition to the lock industry, he was interested in renewable energy and was an early adapter of electronic cars, proudly driving one of the first Toyota Prius models around suburban Chicago. We had some great conversations about locksmithing, cars and life in general, and I will always look back fondly on those chats.

Almost 20 years ago, Locksmith Ledger published a 65th Anniversary Special Supplement, containing photos and interviews with a select group referred to as “Icons of the Locksmith Industry.” Sadly, many of these icons have passed away but some are still making a difference in our industry. They included Jack Berg, Stone and Berg; Aaron Fish, Ilco Unican; Nick Gartner, La Gard; Tom Hennessy, Lock Museum of America; Ernie Kaufman, Detex; Buddy Logan, ASP; Clay Miller, Lockmasters, LSI and Q Security; Bob Psolka, Locksmith Ledger and Ilco Unican; William Swetow, Mayflower Sales; and Jim Taylor, Lockmasters, Taylor Security and Bullseye SD Locks. Read their stories here.

Now it’s time to honor the next generation. We welcome nominations from all industry segments: commercial locksmiths, institutional locksmiths, industry educators, locksmith distributors and lock and tool manufacturers, among others. Criteria include job commitment, leadership, industry involvement, achievements, and contributions and/or innovations to the locksmith market. We also require that nominees have been active in our industry for 15 years or longer.

April 15 is the deadline. The 2024 Legends of the Year winners will be recognized in the July issue of Locksmith Ledger and online at www.locksmithledger.com.

Submit your nomination here!

Emily Pike